InsaneJournal

Fic: Mutual Appreciation 1/1 Earth: Final Conflict
Mutual Appreciation

By: Lopaka Tanu

Disclaimer: I do not own E:FC.

Rating: General

Warnings: None

Summary: Why Zo'or really let Johnathan go.
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Doors watched as the Taelon circled his electrified cage once more. His ire was doing double time because of the gloating presence. "What the hell do you want?"

"The Infamous Johnathan Doors, finally at my mercy."

"I don't give a damn about your black hearted mercies. You were responsible for this whole charade."

Zo'or's smug smile grew a little as he glanced at Johnathan. "Perhaps."

"Perhaps nothing, you master minded my downfall with the help of my son. How you did it, I don't know, but when I get out of here, I will." He started towards the still form of the Taelon, stopping at the barrier. "And when I do, god help you if you harmed my son in any way."

"Please explain this theory of yours, I find your imaginative conspiracies of great interest." He now stood facing Johnathan eye to eye. With a gesture of his hand, he motioned for Johnathan to start.

"You have instigated this whole assassination attempt to make it look like I was responsible. Planting evidence, using hired assassins, then obliterating them so that even they can't be used against you. Very clever, Taelon." Johnathan shifted his weight into a more threatening stance. "What I haven't figured out is how you got my son to betray me. What did you threaten him with?"

"Why would I force your son to betray you? Is it not enough that he resents your mere existence?"

Johnathan glared at him for a moment longer then turned away. Walking to the other side of the cell, he started to pace. "Then what now? Have you come to gloat before my extermination?"

This time Zo'or seemed curious as he tilted his head. "Extermination?"

"Yes, my extermination, as you only see as insects, bugs to be crushed under your heel when we no longer serve a purpose. Don't bother denying it, I know the feeling."

Zo'or nodded once as he started his circling again. "I admit your idea has merit, but not in this instance."

"What?" He stopped all movement in surprise.

"I find you very intriguing, Mr. Doors. Your attempts at becoming president almost succeeded. Had I not already had my own in motion, they would have. You are a very dangerous man to have as an enemy. One could almost say we were equals in that respect."

"Almost?"

Stopping, Zo'or's fingers flickered before he turned to look at the Human. "Yes, as I am out here, and you are in there. This proves I am the more dangerous of we two. Surely even you must see that." He glanced over Doors once, then twice. "Limited though you are, it should not escape attention."

"For a moment I was worried you had taken leave of your electric senses and complimented me. Nice to know the power mad dictator was still in house."

"From you, Mr. Doors, I shall take that as a compliment." His smirk reappeared at the sigh from Johnathan. "An aspect of your personality makes you a very influential being among your species. Even now the Protector of my adversary is looking into the situation of which you were incarcerated for. I have no doubt that in his search he will find that which will repeal all my months of planning, he always seems to, to quote an earth saying, strike gold."

"So this is a last gloat before I go home?"

"No."

"Then what in hell do you want?"

"I want to make you a deal."

Johnathan snorted. "Where is your book and golden pen? Funny, I always figured you to have horns."

"Ah, yes, that particular aspect of your religion. I am well versed in such mythos. As you can see, I have neither, or a tail and cloven hooves." Zo'or displayed his foot wear with amusement. "My deal is this, stop fighting me, you will not win."

"Neither will you, you said so yourself, a sole Human seems to bring down your house a cards at every critical point."

"That may be so, but I have other plans he has yet to ruin. So the game continues." Turning at a disturbance, Zo'or blushed. "It seems he has found the evidence sooner than I thought. There is little time, I will have your answer."

"What are your terms, Taelon?" Hands on hips, he put on his best businessman's appearance.

"I have been aware for sometime that you are no longer the leader of the Liberation. Contact who is in charge, tell them to stop fighing the inevitable. I know they won't completely stop, therefore I shall provide you with information on projects I no longer wish to pursue yet can not close myself. My people have become lax in their readiness for the Jaridian invasion, your people will serve to put them into action." Zo'or's excitement grew as he listed his demands.

"I want your company to rejoin with our co-ventures. Much of our resources were lost after you broke away. This way we can be of service to one another."

Johnathan's features had not changed since the list began, he did not do so now. "Is that all?"

"No," this time Zo'or walked up to him, "I want you to head up the co-ventures."

"Before I tell you no, why?"

"As I said, you are a very dangerous man to have for an enemy. This way I can at least monitor your movements, to some degree. Your thinking fascinates me, your hatred provides a challenge. Both of which serves to enhance my enjoyment."

"Now I will say it, no."

"Then provide someone who can serve as a substitute, that is the only concession to my demands I am willing to make." Zo'or's facade was showing his desperation.

Now Johnathan smiled. "I have someone perfect for the project. There will be further demands on my part, but you have a deal."

"As long as they are within reason, I will agree." He finished just as the Volunteers arrived with Da'an at the lead. "He is all yours, Da'an."

Da'an said nothing, only gestured for the Volunteers to release their fellow Human.

As they exited the chamber, Zo'or called out. "Mr. Doors, I expect your signature when next we meet."


The End...........